Storytime With Babies...

I see that there are pregnant bloggers all over the internet right now and, being a well-seasoned mother for, ummm, over two years, (okay, okay.  I also was a nanny and a storyteller for a bookstore so I have a few credentials, okay?) I feel inspired to share some of my favorite bedtime storybooks.  There are a ton, of course, but here are a few of my top four:

Jamberry

The illustrations in this are so vibrant and the verses are TONS of fun to read aloud.  In fact, this is the very first book I ever read to my baby (I even read it when he was in my womb <3 book="" ever.="" favorite="" his="" is="" much="" my="" nbsp="" p="" pretty="">

Ten Apples Up on Top!

This book is awesome. It's funny, teaches counting and has a lion in it.  It was actually written by Dr Seuss (under the pseudonym of Theo LeSieg).  My baby LOVED this book so much, even when he was super-tiny.

Gossie

This is the first in a series of books is so delightful - sweet, simple and quirky.  The spare look of the illustrations does a wonderful job of keeping the attention of babies (and mamas and daddies).

Moo, Baa, La La La!

Sandra Boynton can pretty much do no wrong when it comes to books.  Her books are SO funny, quirky and super easy-to-read.  This one is kind of the most basic and shortest of her books but Peter had this memorized early (he also adores Let's Dance, Little Pookie).

I Have Enough on my (Book)Plate

First from here, Second from here, Third from here and Fourth from here

From the comments on my last post, I can see that reading is a passion for many of you! I've always been a book addict; I can clearly remember climbing up an oak in our back yard, book tucked under my arm, to read in the crook of the tree. Safe? Not sure. Some of my favorite memories of childhood? Definitely.

One of my favorite book accessories (you really don't need many) is bookplates! And on Etsy, there are over 2000 options of bookplates. What fun would it be to get a package of bookplates? Here are some of my favorites!

What do you think?

P.S. Feel free to follow me! I promise only ever to lead you to bright, sunny places!

P.P.S. I have a brand, new original album out! If youdownload it and looooove it, please write a lovely review on the site from which you purchased it!

Dot Day!

One of my favorite contemporary visionaries is the artist/author/entrepreneur Peter H. Reynolds. He is a champion of embracing creativity and following your dreams (your North Star). One of his books, The Dot, is celebrating its 15th birthday today** and so he (and classrooms around the U.S.) are celebrating creativity through Dot Day!

The author, Peter H. Reynolds, wrote this about Dot Day, “Spread the word… Dot Day.. read The Dot*, wear dots, eat dots, draw dots, frame dots, connect the dots, splurge on art supplies, try a new medium – a new instrument, write a poem, rearrange your furniture, reconnect the dots with an old friend, make something, make something with a friend, share your creativity with the world. No strict rules on how to celebrate!”

Hooray for creativity!

*If you haven't read The Dot yet, you really should. It will make you happier.

**I know it's late on the 15th, but you can celebrate Dot Day tomorrow too. It's like when you get that late birthday present in the mail.